Balance Training and Exercise Device and Method

ABSTRACT

A novel balance exercise apparatus and method of training is disclosed which includes a spanning system which spans between two positions in space and supports a suspended system which is suspended between the two positions in space. A user trains their balance skills and exercises by positioning all or part of their body on the suspended system and then moves their body to maintain their balance while remaining in place or doing exercises. The suspended system creates a dynamic balance environment where the suspended system may move such as swing, bend, rotate, or twist, all controlled by the balance and movement of the user. The suspended system may consist of rigid and/or flexible devices that are supported by the spanning system above the ground. In addition, the spanning system and the suspended system may include devices to vary the nature and difficulty of the dynamic balance environment. The dynamic balance environment may range from stiff to very soft and incorporate variable spring and bounce properties. The dynamic nature of the balance environment makes this system a very effective and challenging balance training system.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is related to balance training and exercise.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Not applicable

FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable

SEQUENCE OR COMPUTER PROGRAM LISTING

Not applicable

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Balance training exercise equipment has become popular and is used by amultitude of people for many different purposes. Some of these purposesinclude development of improved balance for sports, rehabilitation toregain loss of balance from sickness or injury, and general exercise.

There exists a large collection of equipment for balance training andbalance exercises. The present invention relates to whole body balanceand balance exercise.

Hakon lie of Oslo Norway in U.S. Pat. No. 4,509,743 dated Apr. 9, 1985discloses a solid plate you stand on supported by a plurality of springsunder it. The springs circle the underside of the plate so it can tiltin all directions. A drive motor is also included to cause the plate totilt irregularly around the center post.

Robert Watson of Kansas City, Kans. in U.S. Pat. No. 4,787,630 datedNov. 29, 1988 discloses a solid platform to stand on similar to HakonLie's platform but Watson's platform also rotates. Watson also disclosesthe use of ropes, springs, and elastic cords for arm exercises whilestanding, sitting, kneeling, or laying on the solid platform for balanceand upper body exercise.

Jeremy T. Butler of Paradise Utah in U.S. Pat. No. D507,3115 dated Jul.12, 2005 discloses an inflated device which is an elongated half a ball,as well as many other inflated balance balls designs, where the userpositions their body on the inflated domed surface of the ball.

Jerry M. McShane of Deer Park Tex. in U.S. Pat. No. 5,613,690 dated Mar.25, 1997 discloses the combination of solid balance board with springsand ball. In addition he discloses linking the system to a personalcomputer to monitor and provide angular feedback.

David Homyonfer of Holon Israel in U.S. Pat. No. 5,755,651 dated May 26,1998 discloses a solid platform which is a plate with a pivot, like asee-saw with an energy-absorbing element at both ends.

Anthony B. Carey of San Diego, Calif. in U.S. Pat. No. 6,176,817B1 datedJan. 23, 2001 discloses a dish-shaped rotary solid platform where theresistance to motion can be adjusted and there is a handrail forsupport.

Alexander Nestoiter of Los Angeles Calif. discloses a rubber three-sidedbalance beam which sits on the floor and has concave sides. The threecorners each have a curved top to walk on, with different radii.

Josef Theunissen of Kerpen, Denmark in U.S. Pat. No. 6,461,285 datedOct. 8, 2002 discloses a balance training device which has a clear solidplatform on top of a half dome, inside the dome is a maze with a ball init. You tilt the dome with your body to move the ball through the maze.

Louis Stack of Cagary, Calif. in U.S. Pat. No. 6,616,583 B1 datedSeptember 2003 disclosed an elongated solid platform in the shape of askateboard where there are rubber support like springs at either end.

William Lin of Taichung, Taiwan in U.S. Pat. No. 6,872,175 B2 Dated Mar.29, 2005 discloses a solid platform connected to an inflated ball wherepart of the ball passes through the platform.

Reginald A. Johnson of Meridian, MS in U.S. Pat. No. 6,929,589 B2 datedAug. 16, 2005 discloses a balance and gait training board which fitsinside existing parallel bar systems with flip tip hurdles and intervalmarkings and a beam that can be put on the floor between the parallelbars.

Michael Kemery of Portland, Oreg. in U.S. Pat. No. 6,954,920 dated Sep.20, 2005 discloses a solid balancing platform with a slide apartpivoting dome so that it can pivot in the center on one point or twopoints if the dome is slid apart.

Hiroyuki Hojo of Hikone, Japan in U.S. Pat. No. 7,070,415 B2 dated Jul.4, 2006 discloses a horse-riding like seated device which is motorizedand moves to cause the user to reposition their center of gravity.

R. Joel Loane of Park City Utah in U.S. Pat. No. 7,090,621 B2 dated Aug.15, 2006 discloses a training device with two rails that a solidcarriage rolls on. The rails are curved upwards in the center such thatsome one standing on the solid platform exercises by making the carriageroll over the hump from one side to the other.

William T. Dalebout of Lohan Utah in U.S. Pat. No. 7,112,168 B2 datedSep. 26, 2006 discloses a tilting solid platform where the resistance totilting can be changed. There is a flexible center pivot between theplatform and base which has a selectable amount of blockage to movement.

Marc S. Gotlieb of Raleigh N.C. in U.S. Pat. No. 7,137,938 B2 disclosesa solid platform with a spherical bottom where the height of the spherecan be adjusted, to change the difficulty of balancing on the platform.

There are many devices for balance training and exercise like thosedescribed above. All these devices have the user stand on a solid orinflated platform. Both feet can be used to stand on a platform to helpto stabilize the user. They all require that the user use their upperbody to balance with their legs and feet acting together to balance ormove the platform.

What is missing is a device which requires complete control of the bodyand the separate movement of right and left arms and legs to maintainbalance and to exercise. Such a device would require more skill. What isneeded is a device that does not provide a stable solid or inflatedplatform to place the body on, a device and exercise system that wouldrequire complete concentration and control of every part of the bodyindependent of the other parts so that the whole body is engaged tobalance.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The object of the present invention is to provide an alternative andmore difficult balance training and exercise device which does not use asolid or inflated platform. The disclosed invention is not based onbalancing on a half sphere or a tilting solid plane and is moredifficult and requires more skill. As a result, the present invention isa more effective balance training tool and a more effective exercisetool for the whole body. The present invention is based on the mostdifficult balancing activity: tight rope walking and slack line walking.Tight ropes and slack lines are connected at either end to solid objectsconnected to or planted into the ground. Normally ropes or chains areused and are connected to a building or poles cemented into the ground,such that they are fixed, not adjustable, not portable, and often toodangerous to be used by most people for balance training and exercise.

The present invention relates to exercise equipment and moreparticularly to balance training and exercise equipment that provide anunstable environment for the user to balance on and where the amount ofinstability can be changed to meet the training and exercise needs ofthe user.

The present invention provides a balance environment suspended betweentwo locations or points in space. The two or more points or locations inspace are created by a spanning system. The created points in space holdthe suspension environment above the ground.

The user places part or all of their body on the suspension device ofthe environment which provides an unstable environment for the user. Theuser then trains or exercises by trying to maintain their position onthe suspension device. Alternatively the user trains or exercises bytrying to move their position relative to the suspension device. Forexample the user trys to stand, walk or do exercise on the suspendedenvironment.

The unstable environment of the present invention causes the user tomove or tighten the muscles on different parts of the body to maintainbalance and remain their position on the suspension device during staticor dynamic training and/or exercise.

The unstable environment may be adjusted or modified to correspond tothe balancing ability of the user. For example in one embodiment theflexibility and movement of the unstable environment may be reduced orincreased.

The unstable environment design may also be modified. For example, thewidth of the suspension device that the user has to maintain balanceupon may be increased or decreased to correspond to the trainingexercise desired and or ability of the user.

The suspension device may be a rope, strap, or band or a flexible,semi-solid, or solid member supported in whole or in part by a flexibleconnection such as a rope, strap, band, hook, or pivot.

The spanning device of the spanning system may also be of an adjustabledesign such that the suspension points themselves are dynamic and theirmovement can be changed or modified.

The spanning device of the spanning system may fold or come apart foreasy transportation. The spanning device may be a rigid or semi-rigidstructure, or adjust between flexible and rigid.

The present invention may include an adjuster which can change thetension of the suspension device such that it flexes more or less underthe user's load. The unstable environment has been designed to be withina safe distance from the floor and less than one step in height, butheights below 1 inch to above 36 inches may be used. Differentenvironments with different types and amounts of instability may beconnected to the spanning system and may be used alone or connectedtogether to provide different training experiences such as tight rope,stack line, swings, barrel rolls, or suspended beams may be used aloneor in combination.

In addition, additional devices may be connected to or used by the userwhile on the unstable, environment to assist in balance, training, andor exercise.

Also more than one unstable environment may be used at the same time byone user. The additional unstable environment may have the same ordifferent characteristics.

The present invention provides a portable balance device which does notneed to be connected to the ground.

Additional details, features, and advantages of the present inventionwill be set forth in the description which follows, and will be madeobvious from the description and the use of the present invention.Advantages and features of the invention may be obtained and realized byparts and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims.These and other features of the present invention will become more fullyapparent from the following description and appended claims, or may belearned by the practice of the present invention as set forth herein.

In addition a method for using the present invention will be set forthin the description which follows. The advantages and features of themethod may be realized through the description and appended claims andmay also be obtained by the practice of the method for the presentinvention as set forth herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order to describe the manner in which the above-recited and otheradvantages, method, and features of the present invention can beobtained a more particular description of the invention will be renderedby reference to specific embodiments which are illustrated in theappended drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only typicalembodiments of the invention and are not therefore to be considered tobe limiting in scope, the invention will be described and explained withadditional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanyingdrawing in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates all exemplary embodiment of a suspension balancetraining device in accordance with the present invention and anindividual user thereon;

FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary embodiment wherein the suspension deviceincludes a balance strap stretched between the connection location ofthe spanning system.

FIGS. 3A, 3B, & 3C illustrate an exemplary embodiment wherein thesuspension system includes a balance strap and ratchet tightener, front,side and top views.

FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary embodiment providing a detailed view ofa user adjusting the tightness of the balance strap.

FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary embodiment providing a detailed view ofa user adjusting the height of the balance feet.

FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary embodiment showing an alternativetightening mechanism wherein bolts can be used to adjust the tightnessof the balance strap.

FIG. 7 illustrates an exemplary embodiment showing a cross section ofthe alternative tightening mechanism.

FIG. 8 illustrates an exemplary embodiment with a balance rope stretchedbetween the connection points of the spanning system.

FIG. 9 illustrates an exemplary embodiment showing an alternativetightening mechanism using pivot points and a turn buckle.

FIG. 10 illustrates an exemplary embodiment with a turn buckle tightenerand a tension spring.

FIG. 11 illustrates an exemplary embodiment showing an additionalspanner support to reduce deflection and increase band stiffness.

FIG. 12 illustrates an exemplary embodiment showing a suspension beamwith hooks on the end to connect to the spanning system.

FIG. 13 illustrates an exemplary embodiment showing a suspension beamwith locking pins.

FIG. 14 illustrates an exemplary embodiment showing an alternativemechanism for keeping the suspension beam from coming off.

FIG. 15 illustrates an exemplary embodiment with a user balancing on thesuspension beam.

FIG. 16 illustrates an exemplary embodiment with the user balancing on asuspension strap using balance poles to help balance.

FIG. 17 illustrates an exemplary embodiment where the user is balancingon one leg on a suspension strap.

FIG. 18 illustrates an exemplary embodiment where the user is balancingon one leg and is using their whole body to stabilize and maintain theirbalance.

FIG. 19 illustrates an exemplary embodiment where the user ismaintaining balance while doing strength exercises.

FIG. 20 illustrates an exemplary embodiment where the user ismaintaining balance while doing stretching exercises.

FIG. 21 illustrates an exemplary embodiment where the user is balancingon the balls of their feet.

FIG. 22 illustrates an exemplary embodiment where the user is doingstretching exercise standing near the suspension strap connection pointsfor a less unstable environment.

FIG. 23 illustrates an exemplary embodiment wherein the user is usingthe strap as a spring similar to a trampoline.

FIG. 24 illustrates an exemplary embodiment wherein the user is usingtheir arms on the suspension strap and supporting part of their body onthe ground.

FIG. 25 illustrates an exemplary embodiment wherein the user is usingthe suspension strap to cushion and support the body for exercise.

FIG. 26 illustrates an exemplary embodiment wherein the user is usingthe spring affect to exercise the upper body.

FIG. 27 illustrates an exemplary embodiment wherein more than onesuspension straps are supported by one spanner device.

FIG. 28 illustrates an exemplary embodiment wherein two separatespanning devices are connected together.

FIG. 29 illustrates an exemplary embodiment with a suspended platformthat can swing from side to side.

FIG. 30 illustrates an exemplary embodiment with legs to separatelyadjust the height of both ends of the balance training system.

FIG. 31 illustrates an exemplary embodiment with a beam spanning systemon one side and a suspended system on the other with legs that alloweither side to be positioned on top.

FIG. 32 illustrates an exemplary embodiment which is hinged in thecenter and can fold.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention extends to exercise and more particularly toexercise and balance training equipment that provides an environmentwhich forces the user to work to maintain balance.

The following description of the present invention utilizes a series ofdiagrams that illustrate the structure of a number of exemplaryembodiments for implementing the present invention. Using the diagramsin this manner to present the invention is for illustration purposesonly and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the presentinvention.

Referring now to the drawings wherein, like reference numerals refer tosimilar or identical parts throughout several views. FIG. 1 shows anexemplary embodiment of the present invention with a balance trainingsystem: 10 on which a user 11 places all or part of their body. Thebalance training system 10 includes a spanning system 12 and a suspendedsystem 14. The user 11 places all or part of the support for the user's11 body on the suspended system 14 and then tries to maintain theirbalance.

FIG. 1 discloses a balance training system 10 where the suspended system14 is a support band system 15 suspended in space by the spanning system12. The user 11 is shown standing with both feet on the support bandsystem 15. In this embodiment of the present invention the support bandsystem 15 is made of flexible webbing 16 such as nylon or polyesterwebbing, the same type of webbing used for seat belts and cargo straps.The webbing 16 deflects from the weight of the user 11 and twists withthe slightest movement of the user 11. This unstable environmentrequires the user 11 to tighten the muscles of their body to counter actthe instability. Unlike the solid balance platforms disclosed earlierthere is no solid platform for the feet to move to maintain balance,instead the user 11 must make correction in their body position. Everypart of the user's 11 body must be controlled to gain and maintain asteady state position or move from one position to another. FIG. 1discloses a spanning system 14 which includes a stability system 18 withan adjustment system 19. In this embodiment the stability system 18consists of legs 13 connected to the spanning system 12. The legs 13 areangled outward like a sawhorse so that the ends of the support bandsystem 15 are stable and can support the weight of the user 11. Whenweight is applied to the suspended system 14 the weight causes thespanning system 12 to bow, bend, and or twist so that all the feet 34connect firmly with the ground. Preferably the spanning system 12 andstability system 18 are made of metal tubing such as steel or aluminumfrom less than one to greater than three inches in diameter; connectedtogether with fasteners or by welding. In this embodiment, the spanningsystem 12 is 1.5 inch diameter heavy wall steel tubing and is welded tothe stability system 18. The spanning system 12 is in the shape of a bowas used in archery and the suspended system 14 is similar to the stringon a bow. When the string is pulled the bow bends and the bow acts as aspring and it quickly pulls the string back into position when the forceon the string is reduced or removed. The spanning system 14 also bendsand acts as an archery bow or spring loaded surface as on a trampoline.By changing the design of the spanning system 12 the stiffness, travel,and response of the spring action can be modified. The suspended system14 may be non-stretch such as a metal band, or stretchable and act as aspring itself.

The suspended system 14 design and rigidity will also affect themovement of the spanning system 12. The more the suspended system 14 ismoved, stretched or bent by the weight, position, and movement of theuser 11 the greater the bending force will be on the spanning system 12.

FIG. 2 shows the balance training system 10 including the support bandsystem 15 wherein a tension adjuster 20 has a ratchet mechanism 22 foradjusting the tension of the support band system 15. In this embodimentthe support band system 15 is supported between the suspension supports24. The suspension supports 24 are connected to and held apart by thespanning system 12. This gives the suspension supports 24 a high levelof stability.

FIG. 3A side. 3B top, and 3C end views show three views of the balancetraining system 10. FIG. 3A shows how the spanning system 12 is composedof a bow shaped bottom tube 30 which is supported off the floor 32 bythe stability system 18. When a load is applied to the suspended system14 such that the supports 24 are pulled inward and the spanning system12 may bend. Preferably the spanning system 12 is high enough off thefloor 32 that the spanning system 12 will not hit the floor 32. Thereason the spanning system 12 is suspended off the floor 32 is so thatthe spanning system can move. If the spanning system 12 contacts thefloor 32 when the user applies a load on the suspended system 14 thiscan cause the feet 34 to lift off the floor 32 and cause the spanningsystem 12 to rock on the floor and be unstable.

FIG. 3B shows how the suspended system 14 can be positioned directlyover the spanning system 12 from the top view. By having the bottom tube30 directly under the suspended system 14 the bottom tube 30 is keptfrom deflecting sideways when a load is applied by the user 11. Alsothis keeps the spanning system 12 out of the way when the user steps onand off the suspended system 14. In this embodiment the support bandsystem 15 passed over the suspension supports 24 to the tension adjuster20. In this embodiment, the suspension supports 24 are ½ inch diametersolid bent steel rod welded to the stability system 18, however manydifferent support designs may be used from a single point to multiplepoints of support. The support band system 15 webbing 16 slides throughthe suspension supports 24 to the tension adjuster 20.

FIG. 3C shows that the bottom tube 30 is held above the floor 32, andshows how the feet 34 contact the floor 32. The feet 34 preferablyinclude a soft rubber surface to stop the balance training system 10from sliding on the floor.

FIG. 4 shows a close up detail of the tension adjuster 20 of the balancetraining system 10 where a ratchet mechanism 40 can be used to tightenor loosen the support band system 15. The user 11 hands 42 are shownadjusting the tension on the support band system 15. This type ofratchet mechanism 40 is capable of withstanding high loads. The bottomtube 30 stiffness, the tension of the support band system 15, and thedesign of the support band system 15 all affect how the support bandsystem 15 will deflect and move when a load is applied. The load beingall or part of the user 11 body weight.

FIG. 5 shows a detail view of the stability system 18 where the legs 13include an adjustment system 19 which includes adjustable height feet34. The adjustment may be accomplished in many ways, preferably with athreaded adjustment 46. Although four feet are shown in the illustratedbalance training system 10, three legs 13 may also be used with one leg13 at one end and two legs 13 at the other end in a tripod arrangementsPreferably, four legs 13 are used for greater stability at both ends ofthe balance training system 10.

FIG. 6 shows the balance training system 10 with an alternativesuspended system 14 which uses a fixed length webbing 50 which has asewn loops 51 at both ends. A U-shaped bolt 53 is attached and tightenedwith tension nuts 54. This system is simple to change the band and easyto tighten the band or strap.

FIG. 7 shows a cross section of the fixed length webbing 50 and theU-shaped bolt 53 and the tension nuts 54. The U-shaped bolt 53 goesthrough a hole in the spanning system 12 such that when the tension nut54 is turned it loosens or tightens the fixed length webbing 50.

The balance training system 10 as illustrated in FIG. 1 through 7 showswebbing 16 as the suspended system 4 however may different materials maybe employed depending on the properties desired in the suspended system4. Many different materials and shapes may be used such as but notlimited to, plastic, natural or synthetic threads, metals, rubber, woodin many shapes, such as bands, wire, rope, wire rope, and planks withdifferent cross sectional shapes or even varying cross sectional shapealone or in combination with another material. Preferably the width ofthe suspended system is between ½ and 6 inches, and more preferablybetween 1 and 4 inches.

FIG. 8 shows a suspended system 14 of the balance training system 10which consists of a rope 60 which goes over a pulley 61 and is tightenedwith tension nuts 54. Alternatively the rope may end directly at bolt 53and be tightened with one tension nut 54.

FIG. 9 shows a fixed length strap 65 which connects with hooks 66 to thestability system 18 held together with a spanning bar 67 which has pivotbolt 68 at both ends. In addition there is a tightening system 64 whichincludes rods 69 and a turnbuckle 70. The turn buckle 70 when turnedadjusts the tension of the strap 65.

FIG. 10 shows that in addition to the tightening system 64 a deflectioncontroller 72 can be incorporated to dampen or add bounce to themovement of the strap 65 when a dynamic load is applied, such as theuser 11 walking or jumping on the strap 65. The defection controller 72may he a spring 73 or be a piece of rubber or a hydraulic cylinder asused in chairs or cars for dampening and shock absorption.

FIG. 11 shows the balance training system 10 with a stiffener 75positioned to reduce deflection of the bottom tube 30. The stiffener 75may be removable or adjustable to cause the suspended system 14 to reactdifferently under fixed or dynamic load. The stiffener 75 allows for theuse of thinner tubing and can help to reduce the unit's weight, to makeit easier to transport.

FIG. 12 shows a beam 80 which may be suspended by the spanning system12. The beam 80 may replace the support band system 15 or be placed overor on the support band system 15 as shown in FIG. 13. The beam 80provides a stiffer surface for the user 11 to practice on. The beam 80rests upon and is supported by the spanning system 12. The beam 80 iseasily to put on or take off. After the user 11 has trained and is ableto move around on the beam 80, they are ready to remove it and work onthe support band system 15. The beam 80 may balance on one or morelocations at either end. The way the beam 80 connects to the spanningsystem 12 determines how difficult exercising on 30 the beam 80 is. Thebeam 80 is like a log that one might walk on over a stream, there existsthe possibility of the log rolling, or falling off the log or causingthe log to fall off the bank. The beam 80 may alternatively be placed onor connected to the support band system 15 and not the spanning system12, such that the beam 80 can move and twist as allowed by the supportband system 15. A shorter beam 80 allows more movement. In addition morethan one beam 80 can be used that are connected to or sit upon thesupport band system 15.

FIG. 13 shows locking pins 82 which may be inserted into the beam 80through holes 83, with the holes 83 located below the support bandsystem 15. The locking pins 82 can keep the beam 80 from coming offduring use. The beam 80 may be connected many different ways to havedifferent amounts and types of movement. The connections may also bepermanent or temporary.

FIG. 14 shows the beam 80 with stabilizing hooks 81 to reduce the sidemovement and possible falling off of the beam 80. Besides thestabilizing hooks 81 other connectors such as pins, springs, or clampsmay be used to connect the beam to the spanning system 12.

The beam 80 may be many widths preferably between 1 and 6 inches morepreferably between 2 and 4 inches.

FIG. 15 shows the user 11 walking on the beam 80 suspended at either endby the spanning system 12. The beam 80 has an anti-slip surface 85 andin the illustrated embodiment is diamond plated sheet metal 86, howevermany other systems may be used to create an anti-slip surface includingbut not limited to rubber, rough textures, holes, sand paper, and fabricattached to the beam 80.

FIG. 16 shows the user 11 using balancing poles 90 to help them learn tobalance. The balancing poles 90 provide additional stability and allowthe user 11 to regain their balance with only light touches of the tips91 on the ground. Unlike ski-pole tips which are pointed the balancingpole 90 tips 91 are small pads preferably rubber so they will not slipwhen they touch the ground.

FIG. 17 shows one balance training exercise where the user 11 tries toremain standing, one leg on the suspended system 14. Although thisappears simple, a study conducted with 50 professional fitness trainersshowed that none could balance one leg for two minutes and only a fewwere able to achieve one minute. This type of balance requires intenseconcentration, quick reflexes, along with tremendous muscle strength andcontrol. It requires the user 11 to use, control, and monitor every partof their body. Because the system is suspended the axis of the balancepivots goes through the user.

FIG. 18 shows how the user 11 must use every part of their body toremain balanced and to keep from falling off the balance training system10. In FIG. 18 the user 11 holds out their arms and other leg while atthe same time tilting their foot in order to remain balanced. Thesuspended system 14 twists and swings with the slightest bending of theankle and body.

FIG. 19 shows the user 11 standing on one foot on the balance trainingsystem 10 and holding one foot out while bending the supporting knee.While standing on the balance training system 10 the user 11 makes allstandard exercise much more difficult. The user 11 may bounce balls,lift weights, or juggle while trying to maintain their balance whilestanding on the balance training system 10.

FIG. 20 shows the user 11 doing a ballet stretching exercise where theuser 11 stretches out their body horizontally while balancing on one legon the balance training system 10.

FIG. 21 shows the user 11 balancing sideways on two feet on the balancetraining system 10. Here the user 11 is balancing on the balls of theirfeet while trying not to swing or twist the suspended system 14.

FIG. 22 shows the user 11 balancing on the suspended system 14. The user11 is doing a stretching exercise, standing close to where thesuspension system 14 connects to the spanning system 12. The closer theuser 11 is to this connection the more stable the system is. The user 11can also train by positioning part of their body on the spanning system12 to help balance the part that is on the suspended system 14.

FIG. 23 shows the user 11 using the balance training system 10 as atrampoline to bounce into the air. The balance training system 10 actssimilar to a bow used in archery and propels the user 11 upwards.

FIG. 24 and FIG. 25 shows the user 11 using the ground in conjunctionwith the balance training system 10 to enhance push up exercises 5. Theuser 11 places one or both feet on the ground with their hands on thesuspended system 14. The suspended system 14 also acts to reduce thestress on the user 11 hands and wrists by flexing under the load.

FIG. 26 shows the user 11 propelling themselves into air while doingpush ups, with the trampoline effect of the suspended system 14.

FIG. 27 shows the balance training system 10 with two suspended systems14. This embodiment allows each of the users legs to be on separatesuspended systems 14. This is good for training skiers, skaters, andother athletes who switch balance from one foot to the other.

FIG. 28 shows two balance training systems 10 that may be used together.The balance training systems 10 may also be connected together with aconnector 95. The connector 95 keeps the balance training systems 10from sliding apart. Connector 95 may be designed to hold the two balancetraining systems 10 apart at different distances, both parallel andnon-parallel to each other.

FIG. 29 shows the balance training system 10 with the suspended system14 with a suspended platform 100. The suspended platform 100 hooks 101hooks on to the spanning system 12. The hooks 101 are part of thesupport swing 104 which spans between the hooks 101 and holds up thesuspended platform 100. The suspended platform may be flat like a boardand swing side to side and back and forth like a playground swing. InFIG. 29 the suspended platform 100 is a cylinder 102 and can spin 103 onthe support swing 104. Balancing on the exercise system is extremelydifficult and is similar to balancing on a log on a river where the logcan rotate as well as move in any direction.

FIG. 30 shows another embodiment of the present invention where thebalance training system 200 includes a height adjustment and angleadjustment. FIG. 30 shows a set of pivoting legs 201 which can rotate tochange the height of the balance training system 200. A rotation pin 202can be inserted into different holes in the pivoting legs 201, to raiseor lower one or both sides such that the different ends may be at thesame or different heights. The slope of the suspended system 14 can beparallel with the ground or angled. FIG. 30 shows the spanning system 12made from rectangular tubing 203 angled up at the ends to create thepositions in space for the suspended system 14 to be connected.

FIG. 31 shows the balance training system 200 where the pivoting leas201 have been rotated and the spanning system 12 is on top. The user 11can now use the rectangular tubing 203 as a surface to balance on, likea balance beam. The balance training system 200 can be quickly switchedbetween the suspended system 14 for training and the spanning system 12beam for training, just by turning it over. This gives the user 11 twodifferent options of exercise environments without the need for aseparate device or beam.

FIG. 32 shows an alternative embodiment for the balance training system300 which folds up. There is a spanning system 12 with legs 302 with ahinge 301 designed such that when the user 11 places their body on thesuspended system 14 the pressure causes feet 33 to push against thefloor and tension the suspended system 14. By lifting the ends of thesuspended system 14 the balance training system 300 folds up.Alternatively, hinges may be put into the spanning system 12 of anyembodiment such that the present invention may be folded up by releasingthe tension or disconnecting the suspended system 14.

Alternatively, the present invention may in addition to folding,separate into smaller sections for transport and storage. All theseembodiments are valuable because they do not require fastening a rope orband between to separate solid objects such as buildings or poles, bothof which are firmly affixed to the ground. Nothing in the presentinvention requires that the apparatus be affixed to the ground. Allsupport comes from the present invention itself.

In the preferred embodiment the balance training system 10 consists of aspanning system 12 constructed of materials stiff enough to support thesuspended system 14 and a suspended system 14 strong enough to supportsome or all of the weight of a user 11. Preferably the spanning system12 is made out of wood, fiberglass, plastic, metal, or other strongmaterial. Preferably there is a bottom tube 30 made out of steel oraluminum tubing, the tubing being between 1 to 6 inches in diameter andhas a rectangular, round, or oval cross section. Preferably the spanningsystem 12 holds the suspended system above the ground and although anyheight may be possible, preferably the spanning system 12 holds thesuspended system 14 at a safe distance from the ground less than 3 feetand preferably between 4 and 12 inches. Preferably the distance abovethe ground is the same as the rise of a standard stair from one step tothe next 5 to 8 inches.

Although the span of the spanning system 12 may be any length preferablythe length is long enough to fit two feet on the suspended system 14.Preferably the length is long enough to take one or more steps along thesuspended system. Preferably the length is greater than 1 foot but lessthan 10 feet long, more preferably between 3 to 5 feet in length.

An apparatus for balance training and exercise comprising:

a spanning system which creates support for two or more positions inspace and holds the positions apart and a stability system which holdsthe spanning system and maintains the positions in space above theground; along with a suspended system that exits between the position inspace created by the spanning system such that a user may balance all orpart of the user on the suspended system.

An apparatus wherein the suspended system includes a flexible memberstretched between the positions in space created by the spanning system.

An apparatus wherein the suspended system includes a device to adjustthe tension of the flexible member.

An apparatus wherein the suspended system includes a rigid structure.

An apparatus wherein the spanning system flexes.

An apparatus wherein the spanning system is rigid.

An apparatus wherein the suspended system can swing.

An apparatus for balance training and exercise comprising:

a non-linear spanning system which includes connection points at eitherend, and holds the connection points above the ground, with a suspendedsystem which extends between two points in space such that a user maybalance all or part of their body on the suspended system.

An apparatus wherein the suspended system is held above the ground fromless than 1 inch to greater than 36 inches.

An apparatus wherein the height of the suspended system is adjustable.

An apparatus wherein the suspended system is less than 1 inch to greaterthan 4 inches wide.

An apparatus wherein the suspended system is a woven material.

An apparatus wherein the suspended system can rotate.

An apparatus wherein the spanning system folds and unfolds.

An apparatus wherein the spanning system comes apart.

A method of exercise including placing all or part of the body on asuspended system supported by a spanning system and moving parts of thebody to maintain balance and remain on the suspended system.

A method of exercise wherein the spanning system can swing.

A method of exercise wherein the axis of the pivot of the swing goesthrough the users body.

A method of exercise wherein the user positions part of their body onthe ground and the rest on the spanning system.

A method of exercise wherein the user bounces on the spanning system.

Although the invention has been described in detail in the foregoingembodiments for the purpose of illustration, it is to be understood thatsuch detail is solely for that purpose and that variations can be madetherein by those skilled in the art without departing from the spiritand scope of the invention except as it may be described by thefollowing claims.

1. An apparatus for balance training and exercise comprising: a spanningsystem which creates two or more support positions in space and holdsthe positions apart; and a stability system which holds the spanningsystem and maintains the support positions in space above the ground;and a suspended system between the positions in space created by thespanning system such that a user may balance all or part of their bodyon the suspended system.
 2. An apparatus as described in claim 1 wherethe spanning system and the stability system are combined in onestructure.
 3. An apparatus as described in claim 1 wherein the suspendedsystem includes a flexible member stretched between the positions inspace created by the spanning system.
 4. An apparatus as described inclaim 2 wherein the suspended system includes a device to adjust thetension of the flexible member.
 5. An apparatus as described in claim 1wherein the suspended system includes a rigid structure.
 6. An apparatusas described in claim 1 wherein the spanning system flexes.
 7. Anapparatus as described in claim 1 wherein the spanning system is rigid.8. An apparatus as described in claim 1 wherein the suspended system canswing.
 9. An apparatus as described in claim 1 wherein the user standson the suspended system.
 10. An apparatus for balance training andexercise comprising: a non-linear spanning system which includesconnection points at either ends and holds the connection points abovethe ground; and a suspended system which extends between two points inspace such that a user may balance all or part of their body on thesuspended system.
 11. An apparatus as described in claim 10 wherein thesuspended system is held above the ground from less than 1 inch togreater than 36 inches.
 12. An apparatus as described in claim 10wherein the height of the suspended system is adjustable.
 13. Anapparatus as described in claim 10 wherein the suspended system is lessthan 1 inch to greater than 4 inches wide.
 14. An apparatus as describedin claim 10 wherein the suspended system is a woven material.
 15. Anapparatus as described in claim 10 wherein the suspended system canrotate.
 16. An apparatus as described in claim 10 wherein the spanningsystem folds and unfolds.
 17. An apparatus as described in claim 10wherein the spanning system comes apart.
 18. An apparatus as describedin claim 10 wherein the apparatus includes a spanning system that can bepositioned for use as a balance beam.
 19. A method of exerciseincluding: placing all or part of the body on a suspended systemsupported by a spanning system; and moving parts of the body to maintainbalance and remain on the suspended system.
 20. A method of exercise asdescribed in claim 19 where the user stands on the suspended system. 21.A method of exercise as described in claim 20 wherein the axis of thepivot of the swing goes through the users body.
 21. A method of exerciseas described in claim 19 wherein the user positions part of their bodyon the ground and part of their body on the spanning system.
 23. Amethod of exercise as described in claim 19 where the user bounces onthe spanning system.